Need a little light in your life? Now is the time to BE THE LIGHT. The flow of life is always shifting, sometimes at a slow or moderate pace, and sometimes, like now, at rapid speed. As the challenges of global complexity and uncertainty have increased, some of us are feeling more excited, productive and on-purpose then ever. Others are feeling more overwhelmed, distracted and stressed. Most are feeling both in the same day. The bottom line is that active resolution and recovery are more important than ever. In other words, don’t let your battery get below 50%. When you do, and end up on the couch watching Netflix and eating heavy food to escape those feelings, it takes three to five times more time, energy and physiological resources to get back to normal productivity. If you, or your tribe, need support with your peak performance and mindset there are many resources available.
First of all: Stop the noise. While it is important to be aware of major life changes or current events, it is not necessary to track details by the minute. This adds to anxiety and stress rather than resolution or transformation. Stay active and productive. Keep your mind on what adds value to your life.
I remember back in 2008, right before the economy suffered, I wanted to make a shift in our household regarding television. There was always noise of the TV in the background, as my husband enjoyed watching it. However, after working, talking and thinking all day I didn’t want to hear any more superfluous sound. I felt like our quality time and quality of life were hindered by this subtle activity. After considerate discussion, we decided to remove TV service from our home and living room. What a remarkable discovery! We actually sat in our living room with our sons and had more conversations. We were the focus of interaction in the room, not a box making noise. My husband missed sports and news but found other ways to engage in that.
Another thing I noticed for several years prior to this shift was weather-related news. I found myself growing increasingly anxious when I listened to the minute-by-minute reports of where the bad weather was headed. When I came to the realization that this anxiety was brought about by watching TV, then discussing such with friends, I knew something had to change. I could tell if the weather was bad when I looked outside. I didn’t need a blow-by-blow play of how or where it was going. I have neighbors and friends that are happy to give my a “warning” if they feel strongly about it. I no longer experienced such restlessness in my mind or body over weather, after giving up TV.
Take a good look at the activities you engage in and how much time you spend doing them. Create a “test pilot” for a period of time and minimize the amount of time you normally spend in your superfluous activities. Give it some time and write down what you notice when you don’t watch TV shows or play games for hours. I’m not saying give up your enjoyments altogether. I’m just suggesting that you monitor the amount of time and make some adjustments, just to see what else might show up for you!
Second: Take Action! Be a leader and inspire others to get up and move. Or be a good follower and motivate others to join you. People have become very creative using online tools to bring folks together during this quarantine time. Just remember step 1 and monitor the amount of time you are putting into this, too. Exercise groups, meditation practices, do-it-yourself projects, contests, brain game challenges, courses/classes, nutrition are all being made available to help you stay active, connected and growing in healthy ways.
Third: Put Down Your Phone and Look Up! I know you hear this one a lot, but it still needs to be said. It has become an appendage in the name of getting things done or even unplugging from people (games, mindless scrolling or cyber-wandering). Sometimes, and it should be in blocks of time, you don’t need to get things done or disconnect into a tinier TV-like unit. Believe it or not, people can and will wait. Read a book, listen to music, talk with friends. The practice of this will provide great sanity and peace, once you get past the sensation of withdrawals. And you might just have deeper relationships than you thought possible.
Whatever you do, don’t allow excuses to get the better of you. Stay focused and keep your mental, emotional and physical batteries charged by employing moderation, movement and good choices—with time, food and activities. I know you’ve been challenged in unexpected ways recently. Life does this, even without a pandemic. The point is to live more intentionally, and be better prepared for the unexpected, by the choices you make every day. Then in more urgent life shifts, the hit won’t feel so extreme or unmanageable.
In doing these simple things you can be a beacon or ray of light to others who are still learning or struggling. Sometimes the simple things can be very challenging to do. If you need a jump start—picture the sun. Close your eyes and see the bright, full light. The rays are extending from the source and shining so radiantly you have to look away. But, you squint and still try to look as closely as you can without blinding yourself. Drink it in. Let it fill you up with it’s warmth. Then share it.
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” — Buddha
